Microsoft removed the WordPad program from Windows 11 with the 24H2 update. For many people, WordPad was a simple but useful alternative to the more advanced Microsoft Word program. If you still want to use the good old WordPad, you can easily get it back with a simple workaround.
Microsoft starts rolling out Windows 11 24H2 update globally, which removes WordPad and other features. However, you can still get WordPad back by using a simple workaround if you prefer to keep using it instead of using free alternatives like LibreOffice.
Even though the wordpad.exe file has been removed from Windows 11 version 24H2, the folder for WordPad is still present. This means you can easily reinstall WordPad and keep using it. Here is how it to do it.
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How to Install Official WordPad in Windows 11 24H2?
1. First, on a computer with Windows 11 version 23H2 or older version, navigate to C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories.
2. Copy all files inside the Accessories folder (WordpadFilter.dll, wordpad.exe, en-US, etc.) to a USB stick.
3. Now, connect the USB stick to the computer with Windows 11 version 24H2 and paste all WordPad files into a folder.
4. After everything is pasted, right-click on the wordpad.exe file and select “Show more” options.
5. Next, select “Send to” and then click “Desktop (create shortcut)” to create a shortcut.
6. Now, copy the newly created wordpad.exe shortcut and navigate to C:\ProgramData > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > Programs. Paste the shortcut there and rename it if necessary.
7. Now, open the Start menu, click All apps, and scroll down to WordPad to open it. You can pin it to the Start menu or the taskbar for quick access.
You have installed WordPress in Windows 11 24H2. However, note that you’ll need to make sure WordPad is set as the default app to open certain types of documents.
To do this, go to the Settings > Apps > Default apps section. In the list of apps, find and select WordPad. Then you can choose which file types you want WordPad to open by default, like RTF documents for example.
This way, when you double-click on an RTF file, it will automatically open in the WordPad program instead of another text editor. Setting WordPad as the default app for the file types you want to use it for is an important final step in getting WordPad working properly on Windows 11 24H2.
Pros and Cons of Installing WordPad in Windows 11 24H2:
Pros:
You can continue using the familiar WordPad text editor if you prefer it over other options.
WordPad is a lightweight and simple program that may be faster and more efficient for basic text editing tasks.
The WordPad files and folder are still present in Windows 11 24H2, so it’s easy to reinstall and use.
Cons:
WordPad will no longer receive any feature updates or security patches from Microsoft going forward.
Over time, WordPad may become incompatible with newer file formats or have issues working with other programs.
You won’t get the additional features and capabilities of more advanced text editors like Microsoft Word.
